Gracyn’s Page

Hey guys, 

First I would like to say thank you for choosing to take the time to read about NAMI, as well as reading about my story. I thought that I could start off by explaining the picture I choose to represent my Fundraiser. This is me about two years ago. I had saw the ocean for the first time and I was extremely excited to say the least. I wanted to use this photo because I’m very happy as you can see. Full of life and not just existing, but living.(:

Six months before this photo was ever taken, I was involved in a house fire, that almost took my life. I was just getting ready to graduate High school and my house decided to burn down a week prior to my graduation, as well as my graduation party.  If you asked me about my graduation, all I could tell you is that I just remember almost passing out from not being able to eat, due to the extreme PTSD ( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that I was experiencing.  I had some other issues with my mental health before the fire, but you could say that the fire was kind of the icing on the cake. 

I’m very blessed to come from a community filled with amazing teachers, coaches, and people in general, that have helped me through some very difficult times. But where I’m from, NAMI has never been heard of. It wasn’t until I had went to college in Richland County, where NAMI was mentioned by a professor when she brought up NAMI’s End The Silence, which I so desperately wanted to be a part of. End the Silence, is a program where NAMI trains young adults that have a mental illness, to go to high schools and bring awareness to Mental Health and the importance of it. As well as showing children just because you have anxiety, depression, ect. You still have a future and there’s  still hope & you’re not alone... Nor incapable of achieving your goals.  It was then, that I was introduced to Anabelle and Mary Kay, the ladies in charge of NAMI’s office in Mansfield. When I went to the office to apply for Ending the Silence, I did not expect to feel so loved or understood, I wasn’t there for me, I wanted to become a member to help others. To help spread awareness about Mental Health and help end the stigma against the topic. I never use to be a person to speak about the things I’ve went through and still go through, but this organization has given me a safe place to not only find resources and help, but is filled with others of all ages, that not only know what it’s like to have a mental illness but are willing to talk about it as well.  NAMI has given me a voice and the strength to use it.  We as a society, are growing by bringing awareness of the importance of Mental health , but we still have a long way to go. NAMI is an amazing organization that reminds people like me, that you are never alone and that it’s okay to talk about Mental Health.  In a place like NAMI, you will not be stigmatized for  your struggles either. I’ve never been more proud of being a part of something, like I am for NAMI. If you would like to find out more about NAMI, check out www.namirc.org You won’t regret it. 

So going back to the picture of me from two years ago, it’s proof that no matter what you go through, are going through, or will go through, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Never give up on yourself or your dreams. You are not alone.